In Reply to: Thank you. . . that is the issue. . posted by John PA on September 15, 2022 at 11:49:43:
The original Ferde Grofé orchestrated score was for a semi-jazz band of 23 musicians... that created practical difficulties.
The original group included sopranino saxophones, an heckelphone (concert bass oboe), a tenor banjo, and other instruments not usually found in symphony orchestras. I also believe that there was a second piano for rhythmic fills!!!
So, to make more performances more possible, Grofé came up with a version intended for the usual Broadway show "pit orchestra," and then later (NB after Gershwin's death, so he had no say on the final product), a "full symphony orchestra version."
My dim memory of about 40 years ago is that the person who was crying loudest for that was Arthur Fiedler.
BTW, some friends of mine live in Arthur Fiedler's Gatsby-era mansion. But when they bought the house, the 10,000-bottle wine cellar was... empty.
amb,
john
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Follow Ups
- The original score was for a semi-jazz band... that created practical difficulties - John Marks 12:18:43 09/15/22 (1)
- Thank you! - John PA 14:28:45 09/15/22 (0)